Riverside County

Service Members, Veterans & Their Families

Honoring Area Veterans with a Ceremony at Keithsburg's City Hall

The Times Record - 6/19/2018

A reception to honor Veterans, who are Eighty years old or better, was held at Keithsburg City Hall on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Eighteen Veterans and their families, were invited to this reception. A brief military history was read and then each Veteran was awarded a quilt for their service and sacrifice for their Country-designed, pieced, and quilted by members of the Keithsburg Crafters.

Among these Veterans were Vernon Christie, Charles Rosenthal, Carroll Reid, Louis Freeman, Earl Smith, James Kaufman, Richard Whitehall, Clarence Reason, John Stewart, R. William Searl, Norbert Laubach, Jerry Slagel, Cecil Christie, Jean Stewart, Jack Gridley, Clarence Gertz, and Larry Kircher, Several Veterans were unable to attend. Two children were there to receive the award and accept the honor for them. In another case, the spouse of the Veteran was able to receive the honor. Vernon Christie was not able to be with us on Saturday due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, and another Veteran, Richard Whitehall, chose to receive the award in his home. Mr. Christie will receive his quilt at a later date with special arrangements being made to accommodate him and his wife.

Ron Fullerton and Larry Allen of Keithsburg were also honored on Saturday; however, they had received their quilt earlier, at the Memorial Day service with Pastor Reynolds. Earl Smith was also not with the other Veterans on June 9. However, the Keithsburg Crafters were able to take his quilt to the hospital. He has subsequently passed away but was extremely pleased to receive it while in the hospital.

The Keithsburg Crafters vow to continue this Community recognition of their Veterans. Throughout this year and into the next, another reception will be planned to honor more Veterans in the Community as new quilts are completed and ready for awarding!